Can't delete mail from deleted box

george buchanan · External Since: Jun 05, 2007 Posts: 1

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

GLENN · External Since: Jun 07, 2007 Posts: 1

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

bk of mn · External Since: Jun 07, 2007 Posts: 1

this worked like a champ:

To fix your Outbox problem go to this
site and scroll down a bit and do this section : For stuck messages in
Outbox:

'_http://www.vistax64.com/tricks-n-tips/62560-windows-mail-problems.html?ltr=W_'
(http://tinyurl.com/2we972)

"GLENN" wrote:

>
>
> "Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:
>
> > Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> > deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> > I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> > Thanks,
> > Cheryl

180pilot · External Since: Jun 03, 2007 Posts: 4

I got distracted after trying to delete about 200 inbox messages, and just
left the "error box" up that told me it couldn't delete. Came back about 10
mins., and a delete was going on??? Seems there is a just long time element
involved?????

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE · External Since: Jul 06, 2006 Posts: 1980

"can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
read.DeleteThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
> and
> nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
> deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
> couldn't be viewed:
> Message could not be displayed
> Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
> message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
> again.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Windows Mail
> I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
> windows mail.
> newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
> over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.

If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
instances of it under applications or processes.
Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
button.
It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
Do not send mail.

Sinjin2 · External Since: Jun 17, 2007 Posts: 2

I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action cannot
be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager didn't
show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
--
Sinjin2

"Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:

> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
> read DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>
> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
> > and
> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
> > couldn't be viewed:
> > Message could not be displayed
> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
> > again.
> >
> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > Windows Mail
> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
> > windows mail.
> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
>
>
> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
> instances of it under applications or processes.
> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
> button.
> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
>
> --
> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
> Do not send mail.
>

Gary VanderMolen · External Since: Mar 09, 2007 Posts: 4600

Did you read the directions? You were probably looking at the
Applications tab of Task Manager. You should have looked at
the Processes tab for a process named WinMail.exe.

Gary VanderMolen

"Sinjin2" wrote in message
>I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action cannot
> be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager didn't
> show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
> --
> Sinjin2
>
>
> "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:
>
>> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
>> read.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>
>> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
>> > and
>> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
>> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
>> > couldn't be viewed:
>> > Message could not be displayed
>> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
>> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
>> > again.
>> >
>> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> > Windows Mail
>> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
>> > windows mail.
>> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
>> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
>>
>>
>> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
>> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
>> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
>> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
>> instances of it under applications or processes.
>> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
>> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
>> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
>> button.
>> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
>>
>> --
>> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
>> Do not send mail.
>>

Sinjin2 · External Since: Jun 17, 2007 Posts: 2

That was it, thanks!
--
Sinjin2

"Gary VanderMolen" wrote:

> Did you read the directions? You were probably looking at the
> Applications tab of Task Manager. You should have looked at
> the Processes tab for a process named WinMail.exe.
>
> Gary VanderMolen
>
>
> "Sinjin2" wrote in message
> >I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action cannot
> > be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager didn't
> > show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
> > --
> > Sinjin2
> >
> >
> > "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:
> >
> >> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
> >> read.RemoveThis@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >>
> >> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
> >> > and
> >> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
> >> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
> >> > couldn't be viewed:
> >> > Message could not be displayed
> >> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
> >> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
> >> > again.
> >> >
> >> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > Windows Mail
> >> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
> >> > windows mail.
> >> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
> >> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
> >>
> >>
> >> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
> >> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
> >> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
> >> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
> >> instances of it under applications or processes.
> >> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
> >> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
> >> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
> >> button.
> >> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
> >> Do not send mail.
> >>
>
>

Tom · External Since: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 128

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

Tom · External Since: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 128

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

jim barr · External Since: Jun 23, 2007 Posts: 1

I clicked on Deleted Items; Select All;then RIGHT clicked on Deleted items
and selected the ¬Empty feleted items folder`. I have only just done this so
cannot vouch for what happens next.
--
jim barr

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

mick piatek · External Since: Jun 23, 2007 Posts: 1

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

GailW · External Since: Jun 24, 2007 Posts: 1

Where is this Task Manager located? I am trying to find out how to delete my
deleted items folder also.
--
Gail

"Gary VanderMolen" wrote:

> Did you read the directions? You were probably looking at the
> Applications tab of Task Manager. You should have looked at
> the Processes tab for a process named WinMail.exe.
>
> Gary VanderMolen
>
>
> "Sinjin2" wrote in message
> >I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action cannot
> > be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager didn't
> > show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
> > --
> > Sinjin2
> >
> >
> > "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:
> >
> >> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
> >> read.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >>
> >> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
> >> > and
> >> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
> >> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
> >> > couldn't be viewed:
> >> > Message could not be displayed
> >> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
> >> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
> >> > again.
> >> >
> >> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > Windows Mail
> >> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
> >> > windows mail.
> >> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
> >> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
> >>
> >>
> >> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
> >> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
> >> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
> >> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
> >> instances of it under applications or processes.
> >> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
> >> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
> >> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
> >> button.
> >> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
> >> Do not send mail.
> >>
>
>

Cal Bear '66 · External Since: Mar 30, 2007 Posts: 1587

Right click on the Taskbar (at the bottom of your screen) and select Task
Manager

--
I Bleed Blue and Gold
GO BEARS!

"GailW" wrote in message

> Where is this Task Manager located? I am trying to find out how to delete my
> deleted items folder also.
> --
> Gail
>
>
> "Gary VanderMolen" wrote:
>
>> Did you read the directions? You were probably looking at the
>> Applications tab of Task Manager. You should have looked at
>> the Processes tab for a process named WinMail.exe.
>>
>> Gary VanderMolen
>>
>>
>> "Sinjin2" wrote in message
>>
>> >I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action
>> >cannot
>> > be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager
>> > didn't
>> > show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
>> > --
>> > Sinjin2
>> >
>> >
>> > "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark
>> >> as
>> >> read RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >>
>> >> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder
>> >> > ...
>> >> > and
>> >> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
>> >> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
>> >> > couldn't be viewed:
>> >> > Message could not be displayed
>> >> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
>> >> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
>> >> > again.
>> >> >
>> >> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> >> > Windows Mail
>> >> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista
>> >> > basic
>> >> > windows mail.
>> >> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
>> >> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
>> >> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
>> >> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
>> >> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
>> >> instances of it under applications or processes.
>> >> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
>> >> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
>> >> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
>> >> button.
>> >> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
>> >> Do not send mail.
>> >>
>>
>>

Grannynerd · External Since: Jun 24, 2007 Posts: 3

Every one is in the same boat and sure no help from M/S on this matter.

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

Grannynerd · External Since: Jun 24, 2007 Posts: 3

Exactly the answer before you have more problems. WAIT till M/S decides to
fix a problem hundreds and hundreds of people have in windows mail.

"Gary VanderMolen" wrote:

> Did you follow the antivirus advice that has been offered here
> repeatedly? It won't fix already corrupted messages, but it should
> prevent new ones from happening.
>
> To fix the existing problem you'd have to follow Steve's advice
> (which you quoted below): wipe out the database and start
> Windows Mail from scratch.
>
> If it was me, I'd simply wait a bit longer, until Microsoft releases
> the replacement for Windows Mail.
>
> Gary VanderMolen
>
> "Jess" wrote in message
> >I have the same problem ... can not purge my deleted items folder.
> >
> > I have followed the advice here to flag all as read; that did not help.
> > I have tried to delete one by one; that does not work either.
> > I have tried to delete by setting the option to delete on exit and exit
> > Mail; that does not work either.
> >
> > Any ideas how to fix this? Will i forever be unable to purge my new deleted
> > items?
> >
> >
> >
> > "Steve Cochran" wrote:
> >
> >> You can try renaming the message store folder, or copying the contents to
> >> another directory and then starting over. Right now there's no clear way
> >> to fix the database.
> >>
> >> steve
>
>
>

Grannynerd · External Since: Jun 24, 2007 Posts: 3

Why go through all of that when the brains at M/S made up a program that they
can't even fix. Makes no sense

"Mano" wrote:

> Well. I finally managed to delete the 'undeletable' mails from 'deleted
> items' after a long struggle.
>
> Before doing anything, carefully do a backup-export messages to a safe
> location.
> Close your Windows Mail.
> Then go to C:\Users\xxxxxx\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Mail. Delete
> WindowsMail.MSMessageStore & Local folders.
> Delete subfolders inside 'Backup' folder if you have any.
>
> Now open Windows Mail. You should see all folders 'empty' without mails
> including 'Deleted Items' folder.
> Then Import your Inbox & sent items messages and accoun setting from your
> safe location.
>
> I got my problem solved the above way. Please DO NOT BLAME ME if it doesn't
> work for you or you happen to loose your data.
>
> Please take necessary care by creating multiple backups before attempting
> the above operations.
>
> rgds
>
> Mano:
> All the best.
>
>
> "manish" wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > "Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:
> >
> > > Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> > > deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> > > I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> > > Thanks,
> > > Cheryl

Monty · External Since: Jul 05, 2007 Posts: 7

Many thanks. Followed the instructions and it solved the problem

"Gary VanderMolen" wrote:

> Did you read the directions? You were probably looking at the
> Applications tab of Task Manager. You should have looked at
> the Processes tab for a process named WinMail.exe.
>
> Gary VanderMolen
>
>
> "Sinjin2" wrote in message
> >I tried all these directions but I get a message that says this action cannot
> > be completed because the file is open in another program. Task manager didn't
> > show it open anywhere and now I am lost.
> > --
> > Sinjin2
> >
> >
> > "Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM" wrote:
> >
> >> "can't view properties, or mark as read" <can't view properties, or mark as
> >> read.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >>
> >> > i'm having the same problem. i had tried to do an empty delete folder ...
> >> > and
> >> > nothing seemed to happen. tried multiple times. so i went and started
> >> > deleting a few at a time... working fine until i hit one that showed it
> >> > couldn't be viewed:
> >> > Message could not be displayed
> >> > Windows Mail encountered an unexpected problem while displaying this
> >> > message. Check your computer for low memory or low disk space and try
> >> > again.
> >> >
> >> > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >> > Windows Mail
> >> > I can open the email, view properties -- nothing. i'm running vista basic
> >> > windows mail.
> >> > newly deleted emails can be cleared from the deleted folder - but i have
> >> > over 80 of these unviewable, undeletable emails.
> >>
> >>
> >> If you are not willing to just ignore them, the only way is to delete both
> >> copies of the database (which does not contain the messages, but only
> >> references to them) and let WinMail rebuild it.
> >> First close WinMail, then use Task Manager to make sure there are no
> >> instances of it under applications or processes.
> >> Then click Start | Search | Advanced Search
> >> Check the box to include non-indexed, hidden and system files.
> >> In the Name field type WindowsMail.MSMessageStore and click the Search
> >> button.
> >> It should show you two copies. Delete both of them and re-open WinMail.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM
> >> Do not send mail.
> >>
>
>

cloudy & rainy · External Since: Jun 29, 2007 Posts: 1

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl

Alan from Washington · External Since: Jul 03, 2007 Posts: 1

"Cheryl of Exeter, NH" wrote:

> Keep getting 'Unknown error has occurred' when try to delete messages out of
> deleted box. I already deleted the mail that I could delete individually. Now
> I'm left with a bunch of deleted mail that can't be permanently deleted. HELP!
> Thanks,
> Cheryl